Pure strength/power (dont care what my body looks like as long as it is strong and functional)

Physique (I dont care if I cant bench big, as long as i look buff in my fitted shirt I am happy)

A Mix (I would love to say pure strength, but the truth be known I still want to feel good about the way I look, and am happy to incorporate goals beyond pure function in my trainining to achieve that)

Votes accepted starting: 03/03/0607:14 AM
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Heh Thats the sort of thing I want to guage. Whilst the forum was primarily created to discuss training strategies specific to enhancing MA performance, i would love to know what the contributors and readers of the forum want for themselves. This can then be taken into account in making answers to the more general posts as relevant to as many people as possible. If you guys and girls want to elaborate via posts on the thread that is great, feel free to reference athletes and physiques that act as motivators and/or inspiration for your training.

Definintely the mix. I like looking good but I always get dragged down when I'm not lifting the amount of weight I want. I want to be explosive and strong because this is needed for my goals as a grappler. I want it to be functional but I also want people to look at me and go, "this guy got muscle ... stay away from him".

_________________________"IF I COME ... I'M BRINGING THE PAIN WITH ME"

All my conditioning is for the purpose of martial arts. I go to the weight room as a martial artist, stretch as a martial artist, and do push-ups as a martial artist.

I'm strict with myself about giving in to the temptation of cosmetic training. If you train for function, your looks will take care of themselves. Take a look at any athlete in a sport demanding high levels of relative power - they only train for function, but they look great.

_________________________
The world's a will to power and nothing besides

Never heard of those guys before, but I did a Google image search. Fair point.But you've got to admit, they're the exception to the rule. Either their looks don't reflect their physical abilities, or they may be good at what they do, but not in great condition.

Take a look at any weightlifter (except in the +105kg category), any male or female athlete involved in running sprints, skating sprints, swimming sprints or cycling sprints (these being closer to functional martial arts training than the less attractive endurance athletes ), gymnasts, ballet dancers, acrobats etc. etc.

Basically, what is an attractive physique? Low body fat and evenly developed, symmetrical, toned muscles. The same as what's functional.

_________________________
The world's a will to power and nothing besides

I agree that many in the persuits you mention do display impressive physiques. But at high level competition, you are dealing with people with exceptional genetics as a base line to work with. Naturaly close to pure mesomorphic body type, and a good adaption rate and potential that can be tapped through training.Your theory also requires all athletes to have no regard for their appearance factored into their training. This is very often not the case, sometimes directly against the wishes of their coaches. A good friend of mine was Under 21 overall British powerlifting champion a couple of years back, and would 'sneak' to the gym i worked at to train his arms and shoulders against the orders of his coach!

To put it another way, some people who dedicate themselves purely to the training and eating required to increase muscle mass fail to make great increase in musculature due to being handicapped by their genetics, so to assume that performance related training guarantees a certain level of 'buffness' by default to everyone is a big stretch, though I do agree that a fit and active body will always have a better shape and appearance than an untrained body.

A mix - hell, I want to look good too! Still, I train mostly towards strength and overall fitness, to supplement TKD and concentration at college. Looks are important to most people - myself included. I like the confidence that being in good shape gives me, and I think that my confidence comes through. And what can be more functional than feeling good about yourself?